Grade 9
2.2: Rhythm.
Think about it, talk about it
a) Think of a way you would play a note that has three counts or a note
that has one and a half counts without using a tie. A minim has two
counts what will do to make it three, a crotchet has one count, what
should I do to make it 1 and a half?
Quick task 1: describe the effect of note extension on rhythmic
patterns
In groups, sing along to the melody below and determine the number of
counts in a dotted minim and a dotted crotchet. While singing find out how
many crotchets are there in a dotted minim and how many quavers are there
in a dotted crotchet.
Key points to note
When a dot is added to a note, it simply means that the note has been
extended by a half. If you add a dot on a minim. It means you have extended
the minim by a note which is half the minim, which is a crotchet.
A dot represents half of the note. A dotted minim has three counts in total
and its French rhythm name is Taa-aa-aa.
=
A dotted crotchet comprises a crotchet and its half which is a quaver. A
dotted crotchet is made up of 1 ½ counts. We can say a dotted is three
quavers long.
Clap the rhythmic patterns below considering that a dotted minim has three
counts and a dotted crotchet has one and a half counts.
Quick task 2: compose a four-bar rhythmic pattern in 4/4 time,
Using dotted minim, dotted crotchets, minim, crotchets, and quaver compose
a 4-bar rhythmic pattern in a 4/4-time signature. Ensure each bar adds up to
four counts.
Key points to note
A 4/4-time signature indicates that each bar should add up to four crotchet
beats. Most of the popular music we listen to is in 4/4-time signature. 4/4 is
used in popular songs because it has a steady, easy-to-follow beat. It makes
it simple to clap or dance along, which is why people enjoy it in most music.
Sing along to the music excerpt below as you count the number of crotchet
beats in each bar.
Quick task 3: notate four-bar rhythms in 4/4 time from dictation,
In pairs, one partner will clap a rhythm in 4/4 time while the other writes it
down using semi-breves, minim, dotted minim, dotted crotchet, crotchets,
quavers, and rests; after both have written a rhythm, exchange books to clap
and mark each other's work, checking for accuracy in the notation.
Key points to note
Aural dictation involves writing a piece of music by ear. The teacher will clap
to a rhythmic pattern and you will be required to write down the rhythmic
patterns. The teacher will tell you the key signature, and the main beat.
Aural dictation is one of the most efficient ways of ear training.
Quick task 4: appreciate rhythmic patterns to create interest in
Creative Arts and Sports.
In small groups, choose a simple rhythm (like clap, clap, stomp) and perform
it together. After practicing, create your group rhythm using claps, stomps, or
other movements. Perform the rhythm for the class, and then explain how
working together on the rhythm helps you appreciate timing and teamwork
in both music and sports.
Key points to note
Rhythmic patterns are important because they help us understand and enjoy
music, dance, and sports.
A rhythm is a pattern of sounds or movements, and it helps make activities
like singing, dancing, and even playing games more fun and organized.
By appreciating rhythms, learners can improve their coordination, timing,
and creativity, which is useful in both artistic and sporting activities.
Checkpoint
Fill in the boxes below:
Here are your answer boxes
Revision exercise 2.2 A
1. Janice wanted to compose music for her little brother’s birthday. She
wanted to incorporate a dotted crotchet in the piece of music. How
many counts does a dotted minim have?
2. What is rhythm as an element of music?
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8. Jayden a grade Nine learner in potter school was performing his
rhythmic pattern to the class. How is Rhythm part of our day-to-day
life?
9. When learners were going for a PE lesson. Teacher Keya instructed one
of the learners to carry a traditional drum for warm-up activities. How
can one improvise the drum patterns for the warm-up activities?
10. How many counts does a dotted crotchet have?
Revision exercise 2.2 A
1. Juma is learning about the effect of note extension on rhythmic
patterns. If a dotted minim has three counts, how many crotchet
beats does it equal?
A. 2
B. 3
C. 1
D. 4
2. Aisha wants to create a four-bar rhythmic pattern in 4/4 time. Which
of the following should she consider to ensure each bar adds up to
four counts?
A. Use only quavers
B. Use a combination of dotted notes and rests
C. Use only minims
D. Use only semi-breves
3. Kamau is asked to clap a rhythm that includes a dotted crotchet.
How many counts does a dotted crotchet have?
A. 1
B. One and a half
C. 2
D. a half
4. Njeri is working on aural dictation. What is the primary goal when
she listens to a rhythmic pattern being clapped?
A. To sing the rhythm
B. To write down the rhythmic pattern accurately
C. To dance along
D. To memorize the pattern
5. Mwangi and his group are performing a simple rhythm using claps
and stomps. Why is it important for them to work together?
A. To create noise
B. To enhance individual performance
C. To appreciate timing and teamwork in music and sports
D. To show off their skills
6. To notate rhythms from dictation, what should a learner focus on
while listening?
A. The melody
B. The harmony
C. The rhythmic patterns and their corresponding note values
D. The lyrics
7. Fatuma is learning about the importance of rhythmic patterns.
Which of the following best describes why rhythm is important in
sports?
A. It makes the game more competitive
B. It helps with coordination and timing
C. It increases the score
D. It makes the players look good
8. When composing a rhythmic pattern, which of the following note
values can a learner use to extend a minim to make it three counts?
A. Add a quaver
B. Add a crotchet
C. Add a dotted crotchet
D. Add a semi-breve
9. Wanjiru is discussing rhythmic patterns with her group. What is the
effect of adding a dot to a note?
A. It halves the note's duration
B. It extends the note by half of its value
C. It eliminates the note completely
D. It doubles the note's duration
10. If a learner wants to understand the rhythmic patterns used in
traditional Kenyan music, which aspect should they focus on?
A. The lyrics
B. The rhythm and complexity of the patterns
C. The instruments used
D. The melodies
Checkpoint Answers
1. Minim
2. Dotted minim
3. Semi breve
4. Dotted minim
5. Semi breve
6. Crotchet
7. Semi breve
8. Minim
9. Semi breve
10. Dotted minim
11. Dotted minim
12. Minim
Revision exercise 2.2 A Answers
1. Three
2. Is the regular repetition of a beat pattern in a song
3. 9
4. 7
5. 9
6. 8
7. 7
8. Our bodies are guided by rhythms such as heartbeat and breathing
patterns. We speak in a rhythmic pattern.
9. Improvise drum patterns by playing simple, repeated beats that match
the pace of the warm-up activities, starting slow and gradually getting
faster.
10. One and a half
Revision exercise 2.2 B Answers
1. B
2. B
3. B
4. B
5. C
6. C
7. B
8. B
9. B
10. B
